In vitro scavenging activity for reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory indole, pyrrole, and oxazole derivative drugs

Synthesis of novel oxazol-5-one derivatives containing chiral trifluoromethyl and isoxazole moieties as potent antitumor agents and the mechanism investigation

In this study, a series of novel oxazol-5-one derivatives containing a chiral trifluoromethyl and isoxazole moiety were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic activities. Among them, 5t was the most effective compound against HepG2 liver cancer cells with an IC₅₀ of 1.8 μM. 5t inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro. Nevertheless, the potential anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) target and mechanism of 5t were unclear. This work aimed to seek the molecular target of 5t against HCC and investigate its mechanism. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry was used to identify peroxiredoxin 1(PRDX1) as a possible target of 5t. Cellular thermal shift assay, drug affinity responsive target stability, and molecular docking provided conclusive evidence that 5t targeted PRDX1 and inhibited its enzymatic activity. 5t augmented the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and led to ROS-dependent DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Silencing PRDX1 also resulted in ROS-mediated apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In vivo, 5t inhibited mouse tumor growth by increasing oxidative stress. Briefly, our studies revealed that compound 5t targeted PRDX1 through a ROS-dependent mechanism, highlighting the future development of compound 5t as a novel therapeutic drug for HCC.

Relationships of pain-causing substances with dry skin and effects of zaltoprofen on alleviation of symptoms in arthritis model mice

Skin dryness is a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanisms through which dry skin is induced in RA are unclear. Accordingly, in this study, we characterized substances related to pruritus and pain and then evaluated whether oral administration of zaltoprofen (ZLT) alleviated the symptom of dry skin induced by RA in model mice. DBA/1JJmsSlc collagen-induced arthritis model mice were treated with ZLT, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance, and inflammation-, pruritus-, and pain-related markers were assessed. Our findings demonstrated that arthritis model mice treated with ZLT exhibited suppression of increases in TEWL and decreases in capacitance. Furthermore, ZLT also blocked the increase in mast cell numbers, substance P expression, and cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression in the skin and prevented enhancement of plasma levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, histamine, and bradykinin. No changes in plasma levels of corticosterone or reactive oxygen species or skin levels of glucocorticoid receptor were observed in ZLT-treated arthritis model mice. Overall, these findings suggested that patients with RA may benefit from biopharmacy to alleviate joint symptoms and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief and alleviation of skin symptoms.

Green and four-component cyclocondensation synthesis and in silico docking of new polyfunctionalized pyrrole derivatives as the potential anticholinesterase agents

Synthesis of new substituted pyrrole scaffolds containing substituted thiadiazol-2-amine moiety was successfully developed through one-pot and multi-component tandem condensation reaction utilizing of triethyl ammonium hydrogen sulfate ([Et3NH][HSO4]) ionic liquid as a green media under solvent-free conditions. The chemical structures of all newly synthesized compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR) and elemental analyzes. The molecular docking studies were also performed to predict the possible binding sites of the derivatives on the active site gorge of cholinesterase enzymes (AChE and BuChE). The results showed that all the seventeen derivatives interact with the enzymes with high affinity and among them 7d and 7f possess the greatest ability to bind to AChE and BuChE, respectively.

Chemical Reactivity and Skin Sensitization Studies on a Series of Chloro- and Fluoropyrroles-A Computational Approach

Global density functional descriptors analysis on a series of chloro- and fluoropyrroles provide vital data concerning their overall biochemical activities. In this study, a comprehensive investigation is presented for a series of chloro- and fluoropyrroles using DFT-based descriptors to elucidate physicochemical properties and their relevance to reactivity, charge transfer, site selectivity, and toxicity. Electrophilicity-based charge transfer (ECT) descriptor reveals the fact that chloro- and fluoropyrroles act as electron donors during their interaction with DNA bases. The local descriptor, namely, multiphilic descriptor conveys the activeness of specific sites in chloro- and fluoropyrroles. Further, Toxicity Prediction Komputer Assisted Technology (TOPKAT) studies on carcinogenicity bioassays using four rodent models provide the interesting fact that chloro- and fluoropyrroles exhibit a strong skin sensitization effect in these species.

Anti-inflammatory β-sitosterols from the Asiatic loop-root mangrove Rhizophora mucronata attenuate 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes

Four biogenic β-sitosterol analogues were identified from methanolic extract of the leaves of loop-root mangrove Rhizophora mucronata. These were characterized as 4, 14, 23-trimethyl-3β-sitosterol (1), 7-ethyl-3β-sitosterol (2), sitosteryl-3β-(3³E)-pent-3³-enoate (3) and 12α-hydroxy-3β-sitosterol (4) based on comprehensive spectroscopic techniques. Anti-inflammatory activities of β-sitosterol 4 against pro-inflammatory enzymes 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 were found to be significantly higher (IC₅₀ 1.85 and 1.92 mM, respectively) compared to those demonstrated by compounds of 1-3 (p < 0.05). These β-sitosterol analogues disclosed superior selectivity indices (1.43-2.07) with regard to inducible cyclooxygenase-2 than its constitutive isoform cyclooxygenase-1, when compared to the standard, ibuprofen (0.44). Antioxidant properties of 12α-hydroxy-β-sitosterol (4) were found to be significantly greater (IC₅₀ 1.43-1.67 mM) than those of other sitosterol analogues. Structure-activity correlation analyses put forward that the bioactive potencies of the titled β-sitosterols were positively correlated to their electronic parameters. Molecular docking simulations were carried out in the active sites of 5-lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase-2, and the docking scores and binding energies of the studied β-sitosterol analogues were positively correlated with their attenuation properties against 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2.

Fishroesomes as carriers with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities

The great diversity of marine habitats and organisms renders them a high-value source to find/develop novel drugs and formulations. Therefore, herein, sardine (Sardina pilchardus) roe was used as a lipidic source to produce liposomes. This fish product presents high nutritional value, being its lipidic content associated with important health benefits. Consequently, it can be advantageously used to produce therapeutically active delivery devices. Roe lipids were extracted using the Matyash method. After lipid film hydration and extrusion, sardine roe-derived large unilamellar liposomes (LUVs), designated as fishroesomes, presented a size of ≈330 nm and a significant negative surface charge (≈-27 mV). Radical scavenging assays demonstrated that fishroesomes efficiently neutralized peroxyl, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals. Moreover, fishroesomes significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by LPS-stimulated macrophages at non-toxic concentrations for L929 and THP-1 cells. Consequently, the developed liposomes exhibit unique properties as bioactive drug carriers for inflammatory diseases treatment.

Enzyme-Assisted Release of Antioxidant Peptides from Porphyra dioica Conchocelis

The conchocelis life cycle stage of P. dioica represents an unexplored source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to generate and characterise, for the first time, hydrolysates of conchocelis using a specific combination of proteases (Prolyve^® and Flavourzyme^®). Hydrolysate molecular mass distribution and free amino acid contents were assessed, and the antioxidant activity was determined using a range of in vitro assays. The protein content and the total amino acid profiles of conchocelis were also studied. Conchocelis contained ~25% of protein (dry weight basis) and had a complete profile of essential amino acids. Direct sequential enzymatic treatment modified the profile of the generated compounds, increasing the amount of low molecular weight peptides (<1 kDa). There was a significant improvement in the antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates compared with the control (up to 2.5-fold), indicating their potential as a novel source of antioxidant ingredients.

The flavonoids of okra insulates against oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and restores BDNF levels in Aβ1-42 induced mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench.) has been used as a natural drug in East or West Africa for many centuries, as well as consumed in most areas of the world as a tropical vegetable. The study aimed to evaluate whether the flavonoids of okra fruit (FOF) administration influence Aβ_1-42-induced learning and memory impairment, and explore the underlying mechanisms. The Y-maze task and the Morris water maze test were used for evaluating cognition processes. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were detected by ELISA kits. The expressions of nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B (NF-κB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) were studied by western blot. Histopathological changes were observed by H.E. straining. The results showed that intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ_1-42 was effective in producing memory deficits in mice. Besides, Aβ_1-42 exposure could significantly increase the levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and decreased T-AOC, the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, the level of BDNF was also reduced, accompanied by down-regulated CREB/ERK and PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathways in the hippocampus and cortex. Nevertheless, chronic administration of FOF (100 or 300 mg/kg, i.g.) significantly prevented Aβ_1-42-induced behavioral and biochemical alterations. It also suggested that FOF could improve the cognitive deficits in AD-like model mice, which might be mediated by regulation of BDNF levels in cortex and hippocampus and up-regulating of CREB/ERK and PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathways, as well as alleviation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cytocompatible Salvia officinalis Extracts: A Comparison between Traditional and Soxhlet Extraction

Chronic inflammation is characterized by an overproduction of several inflammatory mediators (e.g., reactive species and interleukins -IL) that play a central role in numerous diseases. The available therapies are often associated with serious side effects and, consequently, the need for safer drugs is of utmost importance. A plant traditionally used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions is Salvia officinalis. Therefore, conventional maceration and infusion of its leaves were performed to obtain hydroethanolic (HE-T) and aqueous extracts (AE-T), respectively. Their efficacy was compared to soxhlet extracts, namely aqueous (AE-S), hydroethanolic (HE-S), and ethanolic extracts (EE-S). Thin-layer chromatography demonstrated the presence of rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and/or carnosic acid in the different extracts. Generally, soxhlet provided extracts with higher antioxidant activities than traditional extraction. Moreover, under an inflammatory scenario, EE-S were the most effective, followed by HE-S, HE-T, AE-T, and AE-S, in the reduction of IL-6 and TNF-α production. Interestingly, the extracts presented higher or similar anti-inflammatory activity than diclofenac, salicylic acid, and celecoxib. In conclusion, the extraction method and the solvents of extraction influenced the antioxidant activity, but mainly the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts. Therefore, this natural resource can enable the development of effective treatments for oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases.

Access to highly substituted oxazoles by the reaction of α-azidochalcone with potassium thiocyanate

The reactivity of α-azidochalcones has been explored for the preparation of highly substituted oxazoles via a 2H-azirine intermediate. The azidochalcones, when treated with potassium thiocyanate in the presence of potassium persulfate, lead to 2,4,5-trisubstituted oxazoles in good yields. Incidentally, 2-aminothiazoles are the products when ferric nitrate is employed instead of persulfate in the above reaction.

5-(4H)-Oxazolones and Their Benzamides as Potential Bioactive Small Molecules

The five membered heterocyclic oxazole group plays an important role in drug discovery. Oxazolones present a wide range of biological activities. In this article the synthesis of 4-substituted-2-phenyloxazol-5(4H)-ones from the appropriate substituted aldehydes via an Erlenmeyer–Plochl reaction is reported. Subsequently, the corresponding benzamides were produced via a nucleophilic attack of a secondary amine on the oxazolone ring applying microwave irradiation. The compounds are obtained in good yields up to 94% and their structures were confirmed using IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and LC/MS data. The in vitro anti-lipid peroxidation activity and inhibitory activity against lipoxygenase and trypsin induced proteolysis of the novel derivatives were studied. Inhibition of carrageenin-induced paw edema (CPE) and nociception was also determined for compounds 4a and 4c. Oxazolones 2a and 2c strongly inhibit lipid peroxidation, followed by oxazolones 2b and 2d with an average inhibition of 86.5%. The most potent lipoxygenase inhibitor was the bisbenzamide derivative 4c, with IC₅₀ 41 μM. The benzamides 3c, 4a–4e and 5c were strong inhibitors of proteolysis. The replacement of the thienyl moiety by a phenyl group does not favor the protection. Compound 4c inhibited nociception higher than 4a. The replacement of thienyl groups by phenyl ring led to reduced biological activity. Docking studies of the most potent LOX inhibitor highlight interactions through allosteric mechanism. All the potent derivatives present good oral bioavailability.

Sequential multicomponent catalytic synthesis of pyrrole-3-carboxaldehydes: evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activities along with docking studies

A sequential multicomponent method is developed to access highly substituted N-arylpyrrole-3-carbaldehydes and tested for antibacterial and antifungal activities against bacterial strains.

Chemoprotective and antiobesity effects of tocols from seed oil of Maqui-berry: Their antioxidative and digestive enzyme inhibition potential

Maqui-berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is the emerging Chilean superfruit with high nutraceutical value. Until now, the research on this commodity was focused on the formulations enriched with polyphenols from the pulp. Herein, contents of tocols were compared in the seed oil of Maqui-berry obtained through three different extraction methods followed by determining their antioxidative and enzyme inhibitions in-vitro. Firstly, oilseed was extracted with n-hexane (Soxhlet method), chloroform/methanol/water (Bligh and Dyer method) and pressing (industrial). These samples were used to access their effects against DPPH, HORAC, ORAC, FRAP, Lipid-peroxidation (TBARS), α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. All the isomers of tocopherol and tocotrienol were identified, and β-sitosterol was the only sterol found in higher amounts than other vegetable oils. The Bligh and Dyer method could lead to the highest antioxidative capacity compared to Soxhlet and press methods likely because the latter have a higher amount of tocopherols. Further, seed oil from Maqui berry and their tocols (α, β, γ, δ-tocopherols, tocotrienols, and β-sitosterol) warrant clinical investigation for their antioxidative and antiobesity potential. Taken together, these findings provide relevant and suitable conditions for the industrial processing of Maqui-berry.

A green method for the synthesis of pyrrole derivatives using arylglyoxals, 1,3-diketones and enaminoketones in water or water-ethanol mixture as solvent

Three-component reaction between arylglyoxals, 1,3-dicetones and enaminoketones leads to new polyfunctionalized tetraone derivatives which may be easily converted to polyfunctionalized pyrroles. Reactions were conducted in water or water-ethanol mixture as green solvents, and all products were isolated by simple washing of the resulting solids with diethyl ether.

Previously undisclosed bioactive sterols from corbiculid bivalve clam Villorita cyprinoides with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials

The estuarine Corbiculid bivalve black clam, Villorita cyprinoides collected from the Southwestern coastline regions of Arabian Sea are significant resources of nutritional and bioactive pluralities. The purification of ethyl acetate:methanol (EtOAc:MeOH) extract of V. cyprinoides characterized a previously undisclosed specialized abeo-pregnane-type sterol derivative 19 (10 → 5) abeo-20-methyl-pregn-10-en-3β-yl-hex-(3'E)-enoate (1) along with two cholestenols (22E),(24¹E)-24¹,24²-dihomocholesta-5,22,24¹-trien-3β-ol (2) and (22E)-24¹-homocholesta-5,22-dien-(3β,24¹β)-diol (3). These compounds were characterized by comprehensive spectroscopic investigations. The anti-inflammatory (anti-cyclooxygenase-1, 2/5-lipoxidase) activities of 1 were considerably higher (IC₅₀ < 1.10 mg/mL) than 2-3 (IC₅₀ > 1.10 mg/mL). These studied compounds registered greater selectivity indices (∼1.03) against cyclooxygenase-2 than cyclooxygenase-1. The antioxidant property of abeo-pregnane-type sterol as determined by in vitro 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) quenching potential was significantly greater (IC₅₀ 0.94 mg/mL) than those of substituted dihomocholesta-trien-ol (2) and homocholesta-dien-diol (3) (IC₅₀ > 1.00 mg/mL). Structure-activity relationship studies demonstrated that bioactive potentials of the titled compounds were linearly related to their electronic factors along with optimum hydrophobic factors. In addition, molecular docking studies were performed in the active sites of COX-2 and their binding energies and docking scores were well correlated with in vitro anti-COX-2 potentials.

Oral Ketorolac with Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block for Irreversible Pulpitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:

Ketorolac has advantages over other analgesics as a pre-anaesthetic medication. Considering this in mind, the present meta-analysis aims to identify the effect of oral ketorolac premedication on the anaesthetic efficacy of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB) in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

Methods:

Full-texts of eligible studies were obtained from electronic databases. The extracted data was analysed using non-Cochrane mode in RevMan 5.0 software. Relative risk [95% CI] was calculated for the success of IANB.

Results:

Four studies were included for the final review. The success rate of IANB on 221 patients with relative risk of 1.87 [1.36, 2.56] was statistically significant favouring ketorolac. The mean difference for VAS in 171 patients was not statistically significant {-13.55 [-33.91, 6.82]}.

Conclusion:

Oral ketorolac can be successfully administered as a premedication before conventional inferior alveolar nerve block for endodontic treatment for irreversible pulpitis.

Development of a microparticulate system containing Brazilian propolis by-product and gelatine for ascorbic acid delivery: evaluation of intestinal cell viability and radical scavenging activity

The use of propolis by-product (PBP) microparticles (MP) as delivery systems can be a promising tool to surpass drawbacks related to low stability of ascorbic acid (AA).

Evaluation of radical scavenging activity, intestinal cell viability and antifungal activity of Brazilian propolis by-product

Propolis is a natural adhesive resinous compound produced by honeybees to protect hives from bacteria and fungi, being extremely expensive for food industry. During propolis production, a resinous by-product is formed. This resinous waste is currently undervalued and underexploited. Accordingly, in this study the proximate physical and chemical quality, as well as the antioxidant activity, radical scavenging activity and cell viability of this by-product were evaluated and compared with propolis in order to boost new applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. The results revealed that the by-product meets the physical and chemical quality standards expected and showed that the propolis waste contains similar amounts of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) to propolis. Also, a good scavenging activity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) determined by the assays of superoxide anion radical (O₂^-), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), nitric oxide (NO) and peroxyl radical (ROO) were determined. Linear positive correlations were established between the TPC of both samples and the antioxidant activity evaluated by three different methods (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays). The extracts were also screened for cell viability assays in two different intestinal cell lines (HT29-MTX and Caco-2), showing a viability concentration-dependent. Similarly, the Artemia salina assay, used to assess toxicity, demonstrated the concentration influence on results. Finally, the antifungal activity against ATCC species of Candida was demonstrated. These results suggest that propolis by-product can be used as a new rich source of bioactive compounds for different areas, such as food or pharmaceutical.

Toxicity and Apoptosis Related Effects of Benzimidazo [3,2-α] Quinolinium Salts Upon Human Lymphoma Cells

OBJECTIVES

The present study evaluates novel cationic quinoline derivatives known as benzimidazo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts (BQS) named NBQ-48 and ABQ-48 that have structural similarities to known anti-cancer substances such as ellipticine and berberine.

METHODS

Toledo human lymphoma (ATCC CRL2631) cells were treated for 24 to 48 hours. Apoptosis related endpoints such as cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial damage, RNS and ROS generation and the activity of several apoptosis related proteins such as caspases and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) were studied using fluorescence staining and western blot respectively.

RESULTS

Results indicated a higher toxicity from the amino substituted ABQ-48 versus the NBQ-48 (GI50's of 50uM versus 100uM respectively). Both compounds induced cell death through various apoptosis related endpoints including a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential with an increase in ROS and activation of the effector caspase 3. Interestingly, AIF release was observed on cells treated with the amino substituted ABQ-48 but not on the nitro substituted NBQ-48 samples suggesting a caspase independent mechanism for ABQ-48.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained presents the toxic effects of two novel benzimidazo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts in human lymphoma tumor cells. The identified mechanism of action includes multiple apoptosis related effects. Furthermore the data presents a clear variation in caspase dependent or independent mechanism for each compound.

Design & synthesis of novel oxazolone & triazinone derivatives and their biological evaluation as COX-2 inhibitors

A new series of oxazolones and triazinones were designed and synthesized and evaluated against both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Full structure elucidation of the new derivatives was performed using microanalyses, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra. Most of the derivatives showed good inhibitory activity against COX-2 enzyme specifically compounds IIIc, IIIe, IVd and IVg with IC50 values 0.024, 0.019, 0.011 and 0.014µM compared to celecoxib as reference drug with IC50 value of 0.05µM. Altogether, these results indicate that these derivatives can be effective anti-inflammatory agents.

Pyrrole and Fused Pyrrole Compounds with Bioactivity against Inflammatory Mediators

A new series of pyrrolopyridines and pyrrolopyridopyrimidines have been synthesized from aminocyanopyrroles. The synthesized compounds have been characterized by FTIR, ¹H-NMR and mass spectroscopy. The final compounds have been screened for in vitro pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibitory and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The biological results revealed that among all tested compounds some fused pyrroles, namely the pyrrolopyridines 3i and 3l, show promising activity. A docking study of the active synthesized molecules confirmed the biological results and revealed a new binding pose in the COX-2 binding site.

Valdecoxib Recovers the Lipid Composition, Order and Dynamics in Colon Cancer Cell Lines Independent of COX-2 Expression: An ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy Study

Prostanoids play an important role in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes including inflammation and cancer. The rate-limiting step in the prostanoid biosynthesis pathway is catalyzed by cyclooxygenases (COXs). Aberrant expression of the inducible isoform COX-2 plays a significant role in colon cancer initiation and progression. In this study, we have hypothesized that COX-2 specific inhibitors such as Valdecoxib (VLX), being highly hydrophobic, may alter biophysical properties of cellular lipids. In this study, COX-2 expressing (HT29) and COX-2 non-expressing (SW620) colon cancer cell lines were treated with VLX and examined using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed that VLX treatment decreased lipid fluidity in the cells irrespective of COX-2 expression status and affected order parameters of the lipids in both cell lines. Cluster analysis also indicated that the spectral differences between the two cell lines are profound and could be successfully differentiated. Valdecoxib treatment could enhance the composition, order and dynamics of the lipids of colon cancer cells independently of its COX-2 inhibitory mechanism. Valdecoxib has therapeutic effects upon colon cancer, therefore it can be used as an adjuvant and/or chemopreventive agent for colon cancer.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of 3,4-oxo-isopropylidene-shikimic acid

Context 3,4-Oxo-isopropylidene-shikimic acid (ISA) is an analog of shikimic acid (SA). SA is extracted from the dry fruit of Illicium verum Hook. f. (Magnoliaceae), which has been used for treating stomachaches, skin inflammation and rheumatic pain. Objective To investigate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of ISA. Materials and methods Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ISA were evaluated using writhing, hot plate, xylene-induced ear oedema, carrageenan-induced paw oedema and cotton pellets-induced granuloma test, meanwhile the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed in the oedema paw tissue. ISA (60, 120 and 240 mg/kg in mice model and 50, 120 and 200 mg/kg in rat model) was administered orally, 30 min before induction of inflammation/pain. Additionally, ISA was administered for 12 d in rats from the day of cotton pellet implantation. The active oxygen species scavenging potencies of ISA (10(-3)-10(-5) M) were evaluated by the electron spin resonance spin-trapping technique. Results ISA caused a reduction of inflammation induced by xylene (18.1-31.4%), carrageenan (7.8-51.0%) and cotton pellets (11.4-24.0%). Furthermore, ISA decreased the production of PGE2 and MDA in the rat paw tissue by 1.0-15.6% and 6.3-27.6%, respectively. ISA also reduced pain induced by acetic acid (15.6-48.9%) and hot plate (10.5-28.5%). Finally, ISA exhibited moderate antioxidant activity by scavenging the superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical with IC50 values of 0.214 and 0.450 μg/mL, respectively. Discussion and conclusion Our findings confirmed the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of ISA.

Development of Antioxidant COX-2 Inhibitors as Radioprotective Agents for Radiation Therapy-A Hypothesis-Driven Review

Radiation therapy (RT) evolved to be a primary treatment modality for cancer patients. Unfortunately, the cure or relief of symptoms is still accompanied by radiation-induced side effects with severe acute and late pathophysiological consequences. Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are potentially useful in this regard because radioprotection of normal tissue and/or radiosensitizing effects on tumor tissue have been described for several compounds of this structurally diverse class. This review aims to substantiate the hypothesis that antioxidant COX-2 inhibitors are promising radioprotectants because of intercepting radiation-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in normal tissue, especially the vascular system. For this, literature reporting on COX inhibitors exerting radioprotective and/or radiosensitizing action as well as on antioxidant COX inhibitors will be reviewed comprehensively with the aim to find cross-points of both and, by that, stimulate further research in the field of radioprotective agents.

Update on Analgesic Medication for Adult and Pediatric Dental Patients

This article is an update on pain management in the dental care setting for adult and pediatric patients. The 3 main categories of analgesic medications are examined: (1) opioids, (2) nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and (3) nonopioid, non-NSAID medications. Pharmacology, side effects, patient selection, and treatment strategies and principles are examined. The information provided is aimed to facilitate the clinical perspective and update the oral health care clinician on providing safe and effective analgesia to adult and pediatric patients.